Effects on the child portrayed ​In the majority of cases, children who appear in child pornography have not been physically forced to participate or abducted. They generally know the producer of the material and through subtle means are manipulated into taking part.

To be the subject of child pornography can have devastating physical, social, and psychological effects on both the children involved and those who are exposed to child pornography. ​​

​Child pornography is a cycle of victimization, with children being victimized when their abuse is perpetrated and recorded.

​They are further victimized each and every time that record is accessed. Victims often report physical pain, accompanying symptoms and feelings of physiological distress. ​

Most children report feeling a pressure to cooperate with the offender and not to disclose any information relating to the offence both out of loyalty and a sense of shame about their own behavior. In later years, victims report these feelings intensify into deep despair, worthlessness and general hopelessness.

These experiences provide the children with a distorted model of sexuality, and many report having particular difficulties in establishing healthy emotional and sexual relationships.

Effects on the user​Although many of the results are contentious, the effects of pornography on the user have been extensively studied. ​There are at least five possible relationships between pornography use and the sexual abuse of children:

​1. Pornography use is an expression of existing sexual interests. An individual who sexually abuses children seeks out child pornography as part of their pattern of sexual gratification. The offender’s sexual interests cause their pornography use rather than the other way around. ​

2. Pornography is used to prime the individual to offend. An individual deliberately views child pornography immediately prior to offending. Pornography is used in the short term to sexually stimulate the offender in preparation for offending

3. Pornography has a corrosive effect. An individual becomes increasingly interested in child pornography, is attracted to images of increasing severity, and becomes desensitized to the victims experience. Child pornography in the long term may also increase the risk that the person will sexually abuse a child.

4. Pornography has a cathartic effect. Viewing child pornography is the sole outlet for an individual’s sexual attraction to children. Pornography use may substitute for, or even help the individual resist engaging in hands-on offending

5. Pornography is a by-product of pedophilia. Pornography is created in the process of carrying out sexual abuse or is used to groom potential victims and prepare them for abuse.